See Jess Run: Volume 1

A couple months ago, I told you all about my complicated status with running. And while I’m still not breaking down the door to go for a run, I have managed to dig up some inspiration. Or rather, I’ve dug up an old resolution. 2014 is the new 2013!

So, here it is for all the world to see: in August of this year, I will be running the Disneyland Half Marathon. Yep. It’s happening. It’s going to happen. 13.1 miles + me = one true pairing.

I am gritting my teeth as I write this, because I am a nervous wreck. I’m starting to sweat. My armpits are damp. The thought of running 13.1 miles seems so impossible at this moment that it’s almost laughable. It’s certainly sweat-able and teeth-grind-able. How am I going to do this? I have no idea. I know there’s training involved and I’m working on getting my training program in place, but mentally all I can think is, “holy shit, man. I’m going to run a half marathon.” And the jerk part of me is thinking, “don’t worry, you’ll think of an excuse not to do it.”

Guess what, Jerk Jess? No excuses, because not only will Meridith not allow that (we’re running it together), I’ve solidified this resolution by making a playlist.

That’s right, a playlist. In my world, when I create a playlist for an event, it becomes completely legit. Music is how I get ready: for meetings, nights out, exercise, life. I love the pulse of it, how certain songs strung together can create a feeling or emotion that lasts for as long as the playlist does. Finding songs that describe in beat and melody and lyrics what I’m feeling – or when it comes to this playlist, what I want to feel – is what gets me going. Music is my jam.

Despite my trepidation, I’m excited to share this with all of you. And I’m also super excited to share my half marathon playlist! I’ll be listening to it as I start the training process and maybe even on the big day. Yes, definitely then. It will be a reminder of the starting line as I’m hopefully crossing the finish. The music will take me back to this feeling of anxiety, hugeness, of “can I really do it?”, and I can tell myself, “you just did.”

[8tracks width=”300″ height=”250″ playops=”” url=”http://8tracks.com/mixes/3162090″]

What are your running/fitness goals for 2014? Are there any songs I should add to my playlist? 

20 thoughts on “See Jess Run: Volume 1

  1. Way to go Jess, you’ve totally got this. And EVERYTHING’S more fun with Meri by your side! Honestly, Disney races are so much fun, and you are rather distracted and entertained much of the way! I’ll be cheering from afar 🙂 I’m so incredibly proud of you!

  2. How fun! I’m going to have to wait to hit that one until 2015 – I’m on a Disney Diet after PHM! But you can TOTALLY do it. And think of the pictures!

  3. Yay Jess!!!! You are going to do great! Disneyland Half was my first half in 2011, the course goes through the Big A, it’s wonderful. Bummed we decided to pass on DL this year but will be cheering you and Meri on from up the road a bit.

  4. Awesome! I may sign up for that race as well (after I see how Disney Princess goes!). I think the most fun part of half marathon training has been picking out which Disney character I’m dressing up as!

  5. Woohoo! I’m excited for you! My advice- not that you asked for it- is to start with a small goal of running (or run/walk) for 30 minutes, three days a week. Once that becomes easy and routine, you can switch to mileage (3 miles/3 days) and then move to a training plan once you need to. I’ll be cheering you on along the way!

    Thanks for the new tunes.

  6. Good news is that you made the goal, and you have given yourself plenty of time to truly prepare! Even better…you get to run with a friend! You can totally do this. Plus, with all the people who read this blog, there is NO WAY you can back out….right? You wouldn’t want to let yourself down in front of all of us! ; ) Now, go get it!!!

  7. My friend, mom, and I will all be running the Disneyland Half this year, too! Good luck with training and good job putting that goal out into the universe! Rooting for your & Meri.

  8. Pingback: See Jess Run: Volume 2…and a giveaway! | Scoot A Doot

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